Recycling-oriented analysis of domestic vacuum cleaner

Abstract A study of recyclability of a selected product, based on analyses conducted using an original application for the assessment of recyclability of products. The term ‘recycling’ has been defined and the role of recyclability in the process of eco-design specified. Some general recycling-oriented assessment methods have been discussed. The method used in the study, based on a recycling-oriented product model (RmW) and an agent-based system, has been described. The analysis has been applied to a domestic vacuum cleaner, considering the specificity of the industry. A model of the vacuum cleaner has been created in a 3D CAD system and extended with recyclability parameters to support a comprehensive assessment for easiness of dismantling and reusability of materials. Results of the calculations performed by the system have been analysed in order to characterize recycling properties of the cleaner.